There was a stipulation to Lyanna joining because, of course, there was. Lord Stark carefully worded it to not anger me but he wanted her returned by Spring. Which is five months away. I saw it for what it was, so I was tempted to boot him out of my cabin.

The coming spring would be host to a tourney in Harrenhal, Riverlands, for Lord Whent's daughter. That wasn't really the important part. What was important was the Prince and King would be there. And Robert Baratheon. It baffled me that this was the same man that stood alone in front of my Dragon form, seemingly determined to keep his people and family safe. Why was he so adamant to wed his daughter to the Baratheon? The slight face of regret convinced me something was going on behind the scenes. Still, I wouldn't be involved unless asked. I'm just glad he's not using the fact there's a Dragon in the North for politics. That alone convinced me he's still honorable.

We packed and planned for three days before finally setting off. Elena bugged me to let them ride the Dragon on the early part of the journey, but surprisingly, Lyanna convinced her otherwise. Oh, she still pouted but at least she left it alone. I only got her smiling again by letting her ride on the horses, instead of the carriage transfigured. I could have warned them the travel itself would be boring.

During this downtime, I actually opened the book again. Elena was already gaining draconic senses along with Everlasting and Body Talents, but she had little in the way of combat ability. She knows some Arcane from Yharnam, just not enough to be viable. I need something that could alleviate my worries and didn't have enough to Talent Share everything needed. I started looking outside Catalog options.

There was a lot I considered before actually looking at their prices. The truly useful ones would be up to a thousand points, which meant... No, just no. I had to go back to the tried and true Potterverse magic, only costing thirty apiece. They weren't immediately applicable, but they offer a wide range of uses. Enchantments were what I purchased.

I couldn't immediately use them, but the information was all there, in my head. I spent a couple of days getting what I wanted down before having the little ones bring me two necklaces. They were enchanted with shields, portkeys to our cabin, poison and danger detection, and a single offensive spell to push attackers away. Fatal kind of away. That was all the necklaces could hold, or there would be more.

The rest of the time was spent watching Elena and Lyanna's ever-growing friendship. I was included but there was a disconnect because I was male. They bonded over the feelings of wanting to be free, to travel and explore. There was a lot of excitement being cycled around, but I did find it funny, most often than not, Lyanna was the one that had to calm Elena down. To those that knew of her before, it was a sight to see. She had tried to uphold her dignity and grace when first arriving, but now, I was happy to see her let go. To adopt a look of childlike curiosity and wonder. Even with Lyanna and I both, we still couldn't get her to wear the damn coat though.

Oh, I also didn't miss Elena's attraction toward Lyanna. I had no doubt it played a big part in her accepting Lyanna in the first place. I wanted to be jealous, but it doesn't take much to realize she's still new to feelings of attraction. Questioning sexuality whole decades too late. I couldn't begrudge it, Lyanna is beautiful. I was safe in knowing she still loves me and didn't have a small amount of attraction to me also. The sneaking away would have confirmed what Sticky Fingers did not. I'm sure Lyanna caught on, but she didn't mention it. Only sharing a secret smile with Elena when we came back.I'm happy about it, but aren't they a little too close already? It's only been a week!

It wasn't long before we were enamored to the majestic scene of a wall made from ice. It was enormous, casting a shadow many leagues long. The girls were impressed with the view, I was focused on the magic. It was... beautiful, and completely out of expectations of what this world could hold. I may have underestimated this world if this Wall was anything to go by. Even in its diminished state, every piece of ice held a form of protection magic intertwined. It held enough magic to almost match my own, even now. That meant it was more powerful than me when it was first built. A humbling thought, for sure. The Dragon was quick to inform me it was only because it is dedicated to one focus, protection. Despite pride rearing its head, I still knew we wouldn't have been able to pass it in its prime, if it was switched protections from necromancy to Dragons.

I could see where its power came from though. Oh, I didn't have a full read on it, it being too complex, but it seemed the Builder and Children decided to fight fire with fire. Or, in this case, necromancy with necromancy. There were a lot of sacrifices made to have this wall built, bodies frozen, and made unwilling power sources. They were still there, alive and supplying. At least most of them were Children, showing they did try to make up for mistakes. Despite it also being to save their own asses.

"Should we go on top of it?" I asked, wanting to see how the magic affected the direction it was pointed. This side of the Wall had little effect. Elena was quick to agree but

Lyanna seemed hesitant. I had to quirk a brow to get her to answer.

"It is... very high."

I held in my laugh, but it was a close thing. Elena didn't have the same restraint and received a flick for it.

"Lyle wouldn't let anything happen! He can fly!" Elena squeaked indignantly. Lyanna sighed.Don't sigh, you're the reason she likes to play coy now.

"Fine, fine. But how are we getting up there? The Night's Watch doesn't usually allow guests."

"I would think not and I wouldn't want to flaunt ladies in front of men starved for them." Lyanna blushed, while Elena giggled. "I do have wings, Lyanna."

She looked at me questioningly before wings appeared from my back. They were ugly, wriggling interwoven tentacles, but they would work. I suppose it's my fault for not explaining I didn't exactly need to fully transform for them. Her face turning green did answer why she disagreed with Elena to travel by Dragon though.

"And... you're going to what? Carry us?" Yeah, she really didn't like the idea. I wasn't sure if it was the fear for heights or the intimation from my form. Or just wings in this case. Couldn't really blame anyone for being adverse to them.

"Come, Lyanna. We will be perfectly safe. No need to fear them, Lyle is in control." Elena said. Sticky Fingers let me know exactly why she was arguing for it, painting pictures of Lyanna and her captured by tentacles.Again, Elena, I'm not touching that suggestion. I suppose I should be happy she included Lyanna in the fantasy.I gave her a weird look, which she noticed and blushed.

"It's not Lyle I don't trust..."

"No, I understand. A fear of heights is perfectly normal."

Her face indicated I wasn't exactly right.Wings it is. I let them merge back into me, to dispel her unease.

"I suppose we'll have to chance the men of the Watch getting overly excited."

Lyanna nodded appreciatively and Elena pouted again.

Our arrival at Castle Black was signaled by bells, alerting all to us. It took a long moment for the gate to be opened and three men to appear. They were all equally rough-looking and seemed of high station. High station for a band of criminals anyway. Faded bruises and scars lined them all.

"I am the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, Howard Karstark... It is good to see you again, Lady Stark." The old man in the lead introduced. It answered why someone of importance came out to greet us. The two men with him did confirm my fears though. Their eyes already wandering. I can only imagine how the others would be if these two were the ones Lord Commander trusted.

Lyanna curtsied. "As it is to you." She smiled gently. "I'm guessing my father informed you of our arrival?"

"He did... and.." His face turned doubtful and to me. "Of worrying tales. I suppose you are the Lyle my Lord spoke of?"

"I am, though I would like to hear of those tales." I said with a nod, which he returned.

"Over dinner than. And who is this beautiful lady?" He directed toward Elena. Elena copied Lyanna's curtsy.

"I am Elena, partner of Lyle." She said with a smile. I could tell this was entertaining her, playing the Noble.

Introductions done, we were ushered in. Howard seemed apologetic as he gave us a brief tour of the castle. Not only for the state of the place but the way his men acted. Jeers and catcalls all around. Howard tried to reprimand, but he was old, he couldn't really do much. I did spot one of the longest living characters in the original series, Jeor Mormont. He was already about the same age as the current Lord Commander, so I had to question how he took the position. Or why he would take the Black after the abdication of his Lordship anyway. I'm pretty sure it was explained, but hell if I could remember.

Soon we all sat to eat, some kind of sludge placed in front of us. Instead of it, I probably confirmed some of the tales by taking out our own. The little ones always served as good entertainment, how they scared all around. Elena and Lyanna brightened though, them being fans of my cooking. Faerie Feast wasn't fair.

People soon joined back onto the table once the little ones were gone. Howard didn't waste time eating, now that he could believe some of what his Lord has told him.

"So you really are a being of magic? A dragon, as my Lord said?"

"My father told you that?" Lyanna interjected, looking slightly upset.

"I can only guess he did it as a warning, Lady Stark. He did tell me to stay respectful."

"It's ok, Lyanna, I doubt he could keep it a secret with the showing I made." I said before she could speak. She looked ready to explode. To say she wasn't happy with her father at this time would be an understatement. When I had told her what Lord Stark requested, she had been quick to understand why. It seems when she's angry, she's short-fused. Elena placed a supportive hand on Lyanna's shoulder.

"If Lord Stark creates trouble, we can take care of him, Lyanna."

Everyone looked to Elena incredulously.

"Anyway, yes, I am a Dragon." I say, trying to get back on track. "Did Lord Stark say anything further?"

"Only that I should be transparent because you seem to value honesty."

"Smart man, that one." I comment. "Have you known him long?"

"I served as Winterfell's Master of Arms while he was young, before joining the Night's Watch."

"So you know him well?" I ask, glancing at a still upset Lyanna. She caught on and sat upright.

"I haven't seen him many times since then, only on his children's namesday feasts, but I believe I do." That wasn't exactly what I wanted, but it could still work.

"Has he ever mentioned the Baratheons?"

Howard took a slow blink, before looking to Lyanna. She was staring at him, intent on his answers.

"I suppose I should have seen where your questions were leading..." He sighed. "Lord Stark and Lord Steffon Baratheon were fostered under House Arryn when they reached thirteen. I heard they struck up quite a close friendship. It led to the tradition being followed by his son, Eddard." And there's where the face of regret came. Where someone's honor would go against their daughter's wishes.

Later that night, our sleep was interrupted by Lyanna crawling into our bed to snuggle into my side.

"Thank you, Lyle."

I only laid stock still, looking to Elena for help. Sticky Fingers informed me I shouldn't have.